Used To Be
Anna of the North Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now you're spendin' all your money on the things you don't need
When all that really makes you happy are the things you can't see
Our shit, it shouldn't be this hard, you know that love is for free
So come and spend a little time on me
Remember how we used to be
Remember how we used to be

Tell me, tell me how you're really feeling
It used to be so good between us
I won't tell your mama or your brother or your cousin or no one else
When did shit become so complicated?
I know what you're going through
This can't be serious
I must be delirious

Now you're spendin' all your money on the things you don't need
When all that really makes you happy are the things you can't see
Our shit, it shouldn't be this hard, you know that love is for free
So come and spend a little time on me
Remember how we used to

Tell me, tell me how you're really doing
Did you graduate? Did you make it out-of-state?
How's your sister? Do you miss her?
Do you miss me or someone else?
Tell me when the future got so faded
Where do you think we're going, me and you?
This is serious
I feel delirious

Now you're spendin' all your money on the things you don't need
When all that really makes you happy are the things you can't see
Our shit, it shouldn't be this hard, you know that love is for free
So come and spend a little time on me
Remember how we used to be

(How you spend your time)
(How you spend your time) (remember)
(How you spend your time)
(How you spend your time)
Remember how we used to be
(How you spend your time)
(How you spend your time) (remember)
Remember how we used to be

Now you're spendin' all your money on the things you don't need
When all that really makes you happy are the things you can't see
Our shit, it shouldn't be this hard, you know that love is for free




So come and spend a little time on me
Remember how we used to be

Overall Meaning

"Used To Be" by Anna of the North is a song that reflects on a past romantic relationship that has changed and lost its simplicity and happiness. The lyrics highlight the changes in the person the singer once knew, as they are now consumed with materialism, spending money on things they don't need. The singer acknowledges that true happiness comes from intangible things, the things you can't see. The message is that love should be easy and free, and the singer implores the person to spend time with them, reminiscent of the way they used to be.


The song also delves into the complexities and complications that have arisen in the relationship. The singer asks how the person is really feeling and expresses the desire to know the truth. They assure the person that their conversations will remain confidential by stating they won't tell anyone else, implying that trust may have become an issue. The singer wonders when the relationship became so complicated and questions the seriousness of their current situation. There is a sense of longing for the way things were, as the singer expresses delirious feelings and hopes to rekindle the simplicity of their past.


Overall, "Used To Be" paints a picture of a relationship that has lost its innocence and simplicity, with the singer longing for the way things used to be and encouraging the person to remember the love they once shared.


Line by Line Meaning

Now you're spendin' all your money on the things you don't need
You are wasting your money on unnecessary things


When all that really makes you happy are the things you can't see
True happiness comes from intangible experiences, not material possessions


Our shit, it shouldn't be this hard, you know that love is for free
Our relationship shouldn't be so difficult, love should come easily


So come and spend a little time on me
Invest your time and energy in our relationship


Remember how we used to be
Recall the way we were in the past, the good times we had


Tell me, tell me how you're really feeling
Open up and honestly express your emotions to me


It used to be so good between us
Our relationship was once amazing


I won't tell your mama or your brother or your cousin or no one else
Your secrets are safe with me, I won't share them with anyone


When did shit become so complicated?
When did our relationship become so complex and difficult?


I know what you're going through
I understand the struggles you're facing


This can't be serious
This situation can't be as serious as it seems


I must be delirious
I must be feeling confused or disoriented


Tell me, tell me how you're really doing
Share with me your true state and well-being


Did you graduate? Did you make it out-of-state?
Have you completed your education? Did you move away?


How's your sister? Do you miss her?
How is your sister doing? Do you long to see her?


Do you miss me or someone else?
Are you longing for me or another person?


Tell me when the future got so faded
Inform me when our plans and prospects became uncertain


Where do you think we're going, me and you?
What direction do you believe our relationship is heading in?


This is serious
This situation is significant and meaningful


I feel delirious
I am experiencing a state of confusion or disorientation


(How you spend your time)
How you choose to utilize your time


(How you spend your time) (remember)
Recall the way you used to allocate your time


Remember how we used to be
Recall the way we were in the past, the good times we had




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Anna Lotterud, Bastian Langebaek, Thomas Richard Havelock

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@nancybantigue

[Chorus]
Now you're spending all your money on the things you don't need
When all that really makes you happy are the things you can't see
Our shit shouldn't be this hard, you know that love is for free
So come and spend a little time on me
Remember how we used to be
Remember how we used to be

[Verse 1]
Tell me, tell me how you're really feeling
It used to be so good between us
I won't tell your mama or your brother or your cousin or no one else
When did shit become so complicated?
I know what you're going through

This can't be serious
I must be delirious

[Chorus]
Now you're spending all your money on the things you don't need
When all that really makes you happy are the things you can't see
Our shit shouldn't be this hard, you know that love is for free
So come and spend a little time on me
Remember how we used to

[Verse 2]
Tell me, tell me how you're really doing
Did you graduate? Did you make it out-of-state?
How's your sister? Do you miss her?
Do you miss me or someone else?
Tell me when the future got so faded
Where do you think we're going, me and you?

This is serious
And I feel delirious

[Chorus]
Now you're spending all your money on the things you don't need
When all that really makes you happy are the things you can't see
Our shit shouldn't be this hard, you know that love is for free
So come and spend a little time on me
Remember how we used to be

[Bridge]
(How you spend your time)
(How you spend your time)
(How you spend your time)
(How you spend your time)
Remember how we used to be
(How you spend your time)
(How you spend your time)
Remember how we used to be

[Chorus]
Now you're spending all your money on the things you don't need
When all that really makes you happy are the things you can't see
Our shit shouldn't be this hard, you know that love is for free
So come and spend a little time on me
Remember how we used to be



All comments from YouTube:

@Islandarcade

One of the best artists right now. Totally under appreciated. You deserve so much more love!

@tacianobarsan7817

LUV U SO MUCH from Brazil 💙💙💙

@patrickfarrell5615

Imagine having that up in the morning singing around the house fellas? She's awesome

@NewAlternative40Chart

"Used To Be" debuted at #20 on the New Alternative 40 Chart this week!

@thomjak86

I heard this song on my way to work 6 in the morning, just love it! the synth really hits the spot.

@dreampinkreel

I’ve known this song for a while now (a bit more than 2 years) but it’s the first time I’m watching the music video. Congratulations, you managed to make me put a like on it even though dogs terrify me

@haneefbowens87

Everything she touches is gold!

@tonileiatacador

Anna please come to Manilaaa 💙

@TheRealYungDJ

Who else is ready for a new album?

@haneefbowens87

Me most definitely

More Comments

More Versions